Guro no-jinja, or Five Samurai Shrine in Japanese, is a Shinto shrine located in Gunma Prefecture. Dedicated to the deified spirits of five samurai who perished on their way to the Edo period's Nagakute Castle, this shrine embodies the values of loyalty and duty that were central to Japan's warrior class. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style with a unique blend of modern elements.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ōno-Imi no Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Ōno-no-Kami, Ōtomo-no-Kami, Yamauchi-no-Kami, Matsudaira-no-Kami, Tsutsui-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 36.3286167, 139.1868448
Visitor tip
Visit the shrine's museum to learn more about the five samurai who inspired its creation, and take note of the impressive collection of samurai armor on display.
Cultural notes
Guro no-jinja is closely tied to local folklore, which tells the story of the five samurai who were treacherously betrayed by their lord. To this day, locals perform a ritual called 'Makura Sennin' to honor the spirits and seek protection from misfortune.
Historical note
Founded during the Edo period (17th century),